Already Own It But Purchased For The Short Film

Off the Wall is one of the most successful and influential R&B albums ever released, and home to some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, so I’m going to steer clear of reviewing the album itself and focus my review on this specific edition for those who may already have a copy of the album in their collections and are wondering whether or not it’s worth the upgrade.
First, let's get the album itself out of the way. Off the Wall sounds great, although I didn't notice any difference between the sound of this (2016) edition and the Special Edition version released in 2001. I was only listening on my laptop and headphones, but listened carefully going back and forth between the two versions and could find no difference, even in volume. Although, truthfully, there's nothing wrong with that; the 2001 Special Edition sounded fine and I imagine any further remastering would have probably just been limited to brickwalling (an artificial boost in volume).
Unfortunately for completists, the 2001 Special Edition had several bonus tracks, including interviews with producer Quincy Jones and early demo versions of “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” and “Working Day and Night,” that are not included on this release. The opportunity was also not taken to deliver new bonus tracks, or include Off the Wall bonuses that appeared elsewhere (such as the cut track Sunset Driver that Michael included in his 2004 Ultimate Collection release). Instead, this is simply a release of the 10 tracks that originally appeared on the album, using the same master as the 2001 Special Edition.
So, if you’re going to buy this release, it’s going to be for the new documentary that is included with it, “From Motown to Off the Wall” by Spike Lee. If you saw Bad 25, you’ll know exactly what you’re in for. Lee’s documentary is comprehensive, telling a story of Jackson’s drive and determination that began looking over the shoulders of Motown greats Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder, and culminated in the release of what many people still believe to be his finest work.
After the story hits the point of Off the Wall’s release, Lee dives deep into each track on the album, dedicating time to their inspirations and their respective impact on the R&B and dance genres. Much like Bad 25, no stone is left unturned as even deeper cuts like “It’s the Falling in Love” are given their due time. The documentary wraps with a look at the success of Off the Wall, and moments like Jackson receiving his Grammys for the album off air during a commercial break, a painful reminder of the times, and a teaser for what comes next as Michael makes a promise that his next album will be so big, no one will be able to ignore it.
For fans interested in watching the documentary, this edition of Off the Wall is highly recommended. The film is well worth your time (although a reliance on 1970s televised clips makes the Blu ray version recommendable only to those who can take advantage of the uncompressed audio options). The package itself is attractive, with a chalkboard surface for you to draw your own album art (and, yes, the chalk is included).
If you’re new to Off the Wall, I’d like to think this is a great version for you to pick up as well. The bonus tracks on the last edition are probably only of interest to Jackson’s biggest fans and the documentary helps to put it into a greater context. I might have normally given this four stars for removing the bonus features, but at the end of the day, this feels more like a release of the documentary that happens to also come with the album.

I would recommend this to a friend

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pogo4ever

Verified Purchase

Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Combo Deal w/Blu-Ray or DVD Lee Doc & CD

Prior to 1982's game changer "Thriller" that set Michael Jackson into legendary realm of mega-talented individuals, there was a glimpse of the magic to come in 1979's "Off The Wall" that was truly off the wall & the charts in distancing Michael from his Jackson 5ive kin.
The main songs everyone knows & loves are the obvious: "Don't Stop 'til You Get Enough", "Rock With You," & "She's Out of My Life." A big part of "Off The Wall"'s big success is also due to producer "Q"uincy Jones's collaboration with Michael in & out of the studio, as this is the premiere album Michael & "Q" would set out to dominate the Grammy's, along with later masterpieces "Thriller" & "Bad."
Speaking of "Bad," the 1987 epic which I adore as much as "Thriller," there is a Spike Lee-directed documentary on Blu-Ray Or DVD, included with "Off The Wall" Deluxe Edition, of "Off The Wall", which Lee did a similar behind the scenes making-of documentary for "Bad," which aired on ABC.
I recommend if you don't already have "Off The Wall" album for whatever reason, then get out & buy this Deluxe Edition for the entertaining, informative,fun Spike Lee documentary!

I would recommend this to a friend

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moviesrmylife

Verified Purchase

Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

great release - excellent documentary

I was thrilled to see this release coming, mostly because of the Spike Lee documentary that comes with it, but also because this is always an overlooked gem of an album in Michael Jackson's career. So it was nice to see Off The Wall get some new and deserved attention. This package will NOT disappoint even the fan who's VERY familiar with the album. Honestly, the documentary is worth the price of admission all by itself. The only negative thing I can say about this release is that I wish the 'bonus tracks' from the special edition were included in this release, but that's hardly a reason not to purchase this release.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Bighead909

Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Classic album with old school interaction package

This is a great classic album with some great music. The packaging in this version is cool and retro. It comes with a chalk included in the packaging with which you can write or draw on the inside of the CD case which is specially treated to be written on with chalk. It comes bundled with a DVD about the album which is informative if you are into that kind of musical knowledge. Michael was a great artist that gave us some great music and this album is a great beginning to a legendary legacy.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Blacksocks3

Verified Purchase

Member

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4

Set up for what was coming

Great album from Michael Jackson. This was the set-up for what was to come, (Thriller). Quincy Jones knew exactly what Michael was looking for as far as sound. Tracks 1-6 are non-skip tracks; weakens a bit on 7-8, but finishes strong. Sound quality is way ahead of its time, and for new Michael fans; its a great album to begin your collection. The DVD is well worth owning; good history and commentary on track by track!

I would recommend this to a friend

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GabCo

Member

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4

Old School Grove

Posted 1 year ago

GabCo

Member

I've had this album in everything from record to CD and, sonically, it never seems to age. This album stands the test of time no matter what the current music trend happens to be. Also, the added documentary was a nice bonus, but I felt the material wasn't deep enough or extensive enough for people that had followed Michael Jacksons entire career. All and all though...a solid release.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Reeshard

Elite Plus Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

definitely worth it!

This release is worth the price of admission because of the documentary included. Honestly, I didn't need another re-release of this album, especially considering this release doesn't contain any bonus tracks (like the last release), but knowing the documentary was included made it totally worth it. If you're a fan of this album at all, pick it up for the documentary.

I would recommend this to a friend

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Doug

Verified Purchase

Elite Member

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

5

Spike Lee does it again

I'm a huge fan of Michael Jackson, And I basically got this to get the Spike Lee documentary. I was thrilled it was Blu-ray as so many things besides This is It has been available on blu ray. Just a great story of one of the greatest minds and talents to ever walk this Earth. Very well done.